FACE2FACE

The world is becoming warmer and the level of carbon dioxide in the air is increasing – in central Germany, too. Precisely how do global warming and higher concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide affect plants, soils, microorganisms and insects? What does climate change mean for agriculture in central Europe? In order to conduct research into the complex working mechanisms of carbon dioxide, the LOEWE research cluster “FACE2FACE” is combining two large open-air test facilities to form one research platform: the Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) systems at Justus Liebig University Giessen and Geisenheim University. FACE systems can regulate the carbon dioxide concentration and air temperature over defined areas and thus make it possible to simulate various conditions that are expected to occur between now and 2050. The scientists are focusing on the agricultural ecosystems pertaining to grassland, viticulture and horticulture. They intend to use their findings to develop climate change adjustment strategies or ways of reducing the effects of global warming.